According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), more than 40% of Americans have myopia (also known as nearsightedness), up from 25% of the U.S. population in 1980.  This number is on the rise, especially among school-age children.  Factors leading to myopia are both genetic and environmental.  For the child's environmental influences, we recommend reducing screen time as much as possible and increasing time outdoors.  Good overall lighting is also helpful.  

Genetics is an even more significant factor.  Studies show that if both parents have myopia, the chances of a child getting myopia are 50%.  If neither parent has myopia, the child has a 25% chance of developing myopia.  Of course distance and near vision problems can affect learning, but we now know that myopia is linked to future issues like glaucoma, early cataracts, and retinal problems.  The good news is that we now have treatments to help slow the progression, especially if implemented before the age of 12. 

There are several treatments to slow down myopia.  Atropine drops can be prescribed and used at night time to reduce the progression of myopia.    Soft multifocal contact lenses are also very effective as well as a technique called orthokeratology in which rigid contacts help contour the corneal surface.  Studies show that these treatments are effective at slowing the rate of the eye's elongation and therefore myopia.

Parents can schedule an in-person comprehensive eye exam preferably between the ages of 3-5 although an exam at 6-12 months of age is a good idea.  Comprehensive exams with an eye doctor will establish the distance and near power of the visual system as well as look for other eye abnormalities.  School and pediatric screenings are not as thorough and miss up to 75% of vision problems. It is recommended that parents start eyecare for their child early because early intervention will help with myopia and therefore future eye disease.  Schedule an exam soon to establish important benchmarks.